I have just made the best  purchase.  I finally took the plunge when offered an upgrade on a cell phone.  After years of timidly telling myself that I just wanted a phone that simply “called people”, I decided to step up to a phone with the latest technology.  I held back in the past because I was busy and told myself that I just couldn’t dedicate time to immersing myself in the technologies of the newest phones.  Would I really use all those bells and whistles anyway?

I guess what did the trick was the fact that this phone upgrade had a GPS.  I travel a lot and find myself trying to find my way on strange streets at night.  I usually try to map things out before I travel – but still trying to read and drive at the same time is a challenge.  The sales person assured me that this phone was a “winner” and took the time to show me the GPS feature.  Several days passed before I attempted directions on my new phone.

I flew to Sacramento.  Sitting in my rental car, I typed in the address of the hotel and clicked in for directions.  Not only did my phone display a color map – but it actually gave me verbal directions.  And they were flawless.  The “Directions Lady” told me that I would be…

“Turning left onto West El Camino Road in 1.1 miles.”

“Turning left in .5 miles.” 

“Turning left in .2 miles.” 

“TURN LEFT.”  In every case, she would tell me how we would progress in plenty of time to be in the correct lane and be able to execute the turn.”

At dinnertime, I tried it again.  This time I just spoke the name of a favorite chain restaurant– and the “Directions Lady” gave me four options in town – rating the closest one as 4 Stars.  I chose my location and off “we” went.  The “Directions Lady” understood my request, looked up the information, let me chose the location and then told me how to get there. 

After dinner I wanted to go to the grocery store.  I turned on the GPS and asked for “Groceries.”  The darn thing gave me options for convenience stores and grocery stores ranked closest to my proximity.  I chose one – on off “we” went again.  (She will even alter routes if she sees there is traffic congestion ahead.  She actually “out smarts” the traffic!)

Besides my husband, children, grandson and dog, my cell phone complete with GPS may be my favorite thing ever.  In this short time, I consider it indispensable.  I wouldn’t think of leaving home without it. 

What does this have to do with recruiting?  When was the last time you made yourself indispensable to your hiring managers?

Remember that hiring manager who has an opening and never seems to have the time to pay you or the urgent need proper attention? 

“Yes!  Yes!  I really do need someone yesterday, but I only have a few minutes.  Let me just shoot you the job description?”

What if you acted as the GPS for your hiring manager?  What if you explained your whole recruiting procedure and secured his buy-in to communicate when needed? He’s got to give you some directions.  A foundation from which to work.  After that, you guide him to the route of hiring the best and brightest employee. 

What if you meet his expectations and then go beyond?  Once he has used your service and you have not just satisfied, but delighted him, he may become a regular customer.  A raving fan.  He may be so pleased with your service that he insists on working with you exclusively.

In what alternate world have I placed us?  It’s not happening here without a smart strategy to convince the hiring manager “what’s in it for him” to cooperate and let you guide the hiring process.

“Dear HM”

“Let me lead this process.  While I lay the ground work, I will need your participation. 

Investing time in the beginning – by carefully defining the position, will save you time in unnecessary screening and interviewing of inappropriate candidates. 

Agreeing on quick meetings to choose the finalist to interview keeps the process moving in a professional manner.  The candidate gets a great impression of you as a future employer.

Timely feedback on your interviews results in swift, careful decisions to hire.  Those decisions ensure that the “best ones” don’t get away because the competition for talent is getting fierce out there.”

You can let the client wander around in the dark, but the chances of his finding the way (and taking your candidate) are slim.

Be the GPS “Directions Lady” (or “Guy”) and lead your hiring manager efficiently and strategically into making the right hiring decision.  Exceed his expectations, and he may feel you are indispensable.  Just the expert to help him staff his entire department.